Arpaio, 85, was convicted late last month of defying a 2011 federal court order while serving as sheriff to stop detaining suspected illegal immigrants. The misdemeanor conviction carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail.

Trump said Arpaio “should have had a jury (trial), but you know what? I’ll make a prediction. I think he’s going to be just fine, OK?”

“But — but I won’t do it tonight, because I don’t want to cause any controversy. Is that OK? All right?” Trump continued. “But Sheriff Joe can feel good.”

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Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, a Democrat, called on Trump not to pardon the controversial sheriff at Tuesday night’s rally, saying it would inflame racial tensions, particularly following the deadly protests in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Arpaio told Fox Business Network’s Neil Cavuto Wednesday that Trump had not contacted him about a possible pardon.

“Knowing the president, he has guts and courage, and my gut told me he was going to do it,” Arpaio said. “I have a great deal of respect for him, I always will have pardon or no pardon.”

Arpaio, known for years as “America’s Toughest Sheriff,” was an early supporter of Trump’s presidential bid, and hosted a rally for him in May 2016 in his hometown of Fountain Hills, outside of Phoenix.

Trump had told Fox News’ Gregg Jarrett last week that he was “seriously considering” pardoning Arpaio.

“I am seriously considering a pardon for Sheriff Arpaio,” the president said. “He has done a lot in the fight against illegal immigration. He’s a great American patriot and I hate to see what has happened to him.”

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At least two of Arizona’s Republican congressmen have voiced support for a pardoning Arpaio, who served as Maricopa County Sheriff from 1993 to 2016.

Rep. Trent Franks, whose district is in Maricopa County, tweeted, “In his twilight years, Arpaio deserves to retire peacefully and enjoy the satisfaction of a hard-earned, honorable retirement. Pardon Joe!”

Rep. Andy Biggs, who also represents a district in the Phoenix area, said Arpaio was the victim of a politically motivated investigation by the Obama Justice Department.

In an August 21 letter to Trump, Biggs wrote, “Mr. President, Sheriff Arpaio deserves to live out the rest of his days in peace and confidence that he did his part to uphold the laws of his country.”